Recently I was asked the following question.
Do you think it is ok to question God?
In several instances, sufferings in life have prompted questions like this. Many times, they have been asked by people whose heart is nearly broken. Such tender moments are well-suited opportunities for reshaping lives either for good or bad.
Questions, fears, and doubts are avenues to get close to God. He is not going to be offended or frustrated with your questions.
The Lord commends parents for how willing they are to meet the physical needs of their children. He says:
"If a son asks for bread from any father among you, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent instead of a fish? Or if he asks for an egg, will he offer him a scorpion?” (Lk. 11:11-12 NKJ)
The Lord then continues with contrast by saying:
"If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!" (Lk. 11:13 NKJ)
It is important to know that the above verses are in the context of Jesus’ teaching about prayer to His disciples. By offering His own Holy Spirit, the verse means He is more than ready to give the highest gift any person can have. Note, He is not telling, ‘I will give you a castle or a Cadillac or caviar.’ Those are nothing compared to God Himself saying He is ready to come by your side. The Lord can grant heavenly wisdom in meeting you at whatever state you are in. He can guide you in whatever struggles you are facing, whether it is physical, emotional, or spiritual. And your questions can be the launchpad to get close to God.
Sarah J. Robinson, in her book ‘I Love Jesus, But I want to Die’, mentions an important truth she learned in her lifelong battle with depression which is also studied by Dr. Carol Dweck, a professor at Stanford. “Having a growth mindset, they say, is very important in successfully dealing with a condition like depression. Such a mindset helps to cope well, learn from mistakes, and learn new abilities.”
I do agree with them. I also think it is fine to question God. Asking questions needs to come from a growth mindset. It should be with an intent to learn, to grow, to move forward, and to get close to God.
For some personalities and in some cultures, it is not easy to question authority figures. Some families don’t entertain questions from children or younger people. It is not so with God. The Lord is not offended by your questions, even if it is a stupid one. He is willing to get close to us.
I have seen people who ask questions but don’t really look for an answer. They surround themselves with a cover of questions but are never seriously willing to seek answers nor willing to move toward where the answers lead. Don’t do that.
At the time of the Great Commission, the Lord Jesus was surrounded by all his disciples. The risen Lord was standing and talking in front of them. As it happens, we read in the Gospel of Matthew, but some doubted. (Matt. 28:17 NKJ). However, they didn’t stay back with their doubts. Rather, they went forward and proved what a disciple of Christ means with their own life.
Ask questions. Go forward. Be a learner (disciple)!
Dijo and his sweet wife Merlyn reside in Lubbock with their daughter. God’s love transforms lives and as a recipient of His immense love, he is passionate to share about it with others. Renew In Knowledge sprouted from his vision to refresh and motivate others, and was co-founded with prayer and dedication from other like-minded team members.
Visit dijojohn.com to read more. Click this link to read other articles of Dijo published in Renew In Knowledge.
P.S.
And one more thing.
Share your stories with others. When you encounter painful situations and learn from it please consider sharing your experience so someone else can benefit. Perhaps you still haven’t figured out how to navigate some of those struggles in life. Still see if you can find a trustworthy person to talk with about what you are dealing with. Do not let your questions and pain isolate you from a community of believers. It will require some reflections to share with others. But share it in a way to bring glory to God and as an encouragement to others.
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